Coil unreeling apparatus



May 9, 1950 E. J. LIGLER con. UNREELING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. l2, 1947 3122; FIG. 6 if p Lsmn Inventor Edward J. Ligler By M. O +W y 1950 E. J. LIGLER 2,506,881

COIL UNREELING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 12, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

Inventor By Edward J. Llgler MA Mum-4 M May 9, 1950 E. J. LIGLER COIL UNREELING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 12, 1947 FIG. 4

INVENTOR. Edward J. Ligler May 9, 1950 E. J. LIGLER con. UNREELING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 12, 1947 I INVENTOR. Edward \L I Ligler 06AM M i atentecl May 9, 1950 UNITED STATES OFFICE .0011. uNptiif tirrmerus Edward J. Ligler, Bolton, 111., assignor to Acme Steel Company, Chicago, Ill, a corporation of Illinois Appli ti n Augus .12, 195.17, Serial 8, 9

1'7 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to work-supporting apparatus and more particularly to coil unreeling apparatus provided with two work-supporting tables, upon which two coil-supporting reels are respectively mounted, that may be moved selectively between a common loading position an com n W rk n po i As explained in the copending applicationof Edwarsl er, .Seria No. 761,066, fil u y 15, 1947, metal strip band, or the like, is frequently treated, during the course of manufacture, in pi kling ths, an ali fur aces pl n tank and other devices. In these devices a plurality of ribbons of material are drawn therethrough by a corresponding plurality of reeling apparatus from a corresponding plurality of unreeling apparatus. Material storage mechanisms are arranged between the coil unreeling apparatus and the devices and between the devices and the reeling apparatus in order respectively to supply material while a full coil is being replaced upon an unreeler and to accept material while an empty coil is being replaced upon a reeler. While these mechanisms permit a given time interval to accomplish the operations mentioned, without stoppage of the devices, the necessary manipulations must proceed at a rapid pace, which cannot always be maintained; whereby stoppage of the devices is then necessary.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide coil mounting apparatus that is especially adapted for use in connection with a device of the character noted; whereby stoppage time of the device is minimized and stoppage of the device for protracted time intervals is avoided.

Another object of the invention is to provide in apparatus including two worksupporting tables, an improved drive arrangement i01 moving one of the tables from a common loading position to a common working position and for moving simultaneously the other of the tables from the common working position to the common loading position.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the character noted that may be incorporated either in a reeling machine or in an unreeling machine wherein the two tables constitute reels provided with facilities for supporting coils of material removably secured in'place.

A further object of the invention is to provide in apparatus including a support carrying a frame that in turn mounts two work-supporting tables, mechanism for moving the frame with-respect to the support between two displaced post- 2 tions and for moving simultaneously each of the two tables with respect to the frame between two other displaced positions.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the work-supporting apparatus; whereby the above outlined and additional operating features t ereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front elevational view, partly broken away, of work-supporting apparatus embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is an end elevationalview, partly broken away, of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a plan view, partly in section, of the apparatus taken in the direction of the arrows along the line -33 in Fig. 1; Fig. (l is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the apparatus taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 4-4 in Fig. -3; Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded per- 1 s ,ective view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1,

illustrating the assembly of certain elements incorporated therein; and Fig. 6 is an electric diagram of the circuit for controlling the electric drive motor incorporated in the apparatus shown n is Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, of the drawings; the work-supporting apparatus it there illustrated, and embodying the features of the present invention, comprises a substantially drum-like base ll provided with a longitudinal vertically extending axis and including a ring-like bottom plate i2, a disc-like top plate 13 and a connecting cylindrical side wall {4. Also the base ll carries'a laterally extending footing 15, the inner end or which is secured to the bottom plate i 2 and to the adjacent outer surface of the wall l4. Further, two spacedapart side plates it are secured mutually to the looting t5 and to the adjacent outer surface of the wall M, in order to lend extreme rigidity to the footing i5. Preferably, in the base H, the bottom plate [-2, the top plate l3, the side wall i l, the footing t5 and the side plate l6 are secured togetherby welding or the like to provide a rugged and rigid structure.

An electric motor ll provided with a casing it, a base l-"9 and an operating shaft 20 is carried by the footing-I 5, the base lQ'being suitably removablysecured directly to the footing 1 5. Also, the casing 48: of the motor 1.1 supports a housing 2| in which suitable speed-reduction gearing, not shown, is arranged; and from which a drive shaft 22 extends. It will, of course, be understood that the operating shaft of the motor I! is operatively connected to the drive shaft 22 through the speed-reduction gearin arranged in the housing 2|. The inner end of the drive shaft 22 projects through an opening 23 formed in the side wall I4 and into the base II. A substantially centrally disposed opening 24 is arranged in the top plate l3 of the base H; and an annular plate 26 is arranged within the base II and provided with a substantially centrally disposed opening 21 formed therein. A substantially cylindrical fixture 28 terminating in an annular collar 29 and a spaced-apart pinion 30 and provided with a centrally disposed bore 3| is carried by the base More particularly, the annular plate 26 is disposed immediately below the top wall I3 and. the annular collar 29 is disposed immediately above the top plate l3; which elements are secured in place by four screws 32. More particularly, the shanks of the screws 32 extend through aligned openings formed in the annular collar 29, in the top wall l3 and in the annular plate 26, the threaded ends of the shanks of the screws 32 being received in threads provided in the openings formed in the annular plate 25. The openings 21, 24 and 3| respectively formed in the annular plate 26, in the top wall l3 and in the fixture 28 are arranged in longitudinal alignment and receive a longitudinally extending tube 33 journalled therein. Also the annular plate 26 carries a substantially cupshaped housing 34 provided with a cylindrical side wall 35 terminating in an annular flange 36 and a bottom wall 31. The annular flange 36 is suitably removably secured to the adjacent surface of the annular plate 26; and the bottom wall 31 has a substantially centrally disposed longitudinally extending bore 38 formed therein into which the lower end of a stub shaft 39 is journalled. The upper end of the stub shaft 39 projects into the tube 33 and is rigidly secured thereto by a key 40 disposed in slots 4| and 3911 respectively formed in the inner surface of the tube 33 and in the outer surface of the stud shaft 39. Also a worm gear 42 is rigidly secured to the stub shaft 39 and disposed between the lower surface of the annular plate 26 and the upper surface of the bottom wall 31 and within the housing 34. The side wall 35 of the housing 34 also terminates in a laterally extending tubular boss 43 into which the izmer end of the operating shaft 22 projects; the inner end of the operating shaft 22 having a Worm, not shown, rigidly secured thereto and meshing with the worm gear 42.

A transversely extending plate 44 is rigidly secured to the upper end of the tube 33, the plate 44 having a substantially centrally disposed opening 45 formed therein and engaging a shoulder 46 formed on the extreme upper end of the tube 33. A counterbore 41 surrounding the opening 45 is formed in the lower surface of the plate 44;

and a corresponding counterbore 48 surrounding the opening 3| is formed in the upper surface of the pinion 30; which counterbores 41 and 48 respectively receive the upper and lower races 49 and 50 of an antifriction bearing 5| that may be of the ball type. The bearing 5| supports the plate 44 and the tube 33 secured thereto for rotation, the tube 33 being journalled in the openings 3|, 24 and 21 as previously noted. Also the stub shaft 39 and the worm gear42 carried thereby are supported at least partially by the tube 33 and arranged for rotation therewith.

In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that when the electric motor I! is energized in a first direction, the operating shaft 29 thereof will be rotated in a first direction effecting rotation of the drive shaft 22 in a first direction through the associated speed-reduction gearing arranged in the housing 2|; whereby the worm, not shown, carried by the drive shaft 22 and arranged in the housing 34 will effect rotation of the worm gear 42, and consequently the stub shaft 39, the tube 33 and the plate 44 in the clockwise direction as viewed in Fig 3. Conversely when the electric motor is energized in a second and opposite direction, the operating shaft 20 thereof will be rotated in a second and opposite direction through the associated speed-reduction gearing arranged in the housing 2|; whereby the worm, not shown, carried by the drive shaft 22 and arranged in the housing 34 will effect rotation of the worm gear 42 and consequently the stub shaft 39, the tube 33 and the plate 44 in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3. Moreover, it will be appreciated that rotation of the tube 33 and the plate 44, supported by the antifriction bearing 5|, is always with respect to the pinion 30, since the pinion 36 is rigidly secured by the connected annular collar 29 to the top plate I3 forming a part of the stationary base I.

The plate 44 carries two substantially parallel spaced-apart and transversely extending channels 52 and 53 adjacent to the outer ends thereof. More particularly, each outer end of the plate 44 is provided with a notch 44a formed therein receiving the associated channel 52 or 53; which channel 52 or 53 is secured in place by a plurality of screws 54. The channels 52 and 53 are identical, the channel 52 comprising a lower rail 52a, a substantially parallel upper rail 52b and a connecting web 520. The intermediate sections of the webs of the channels 52 and 53 are rigidly secured together by two transversely extending braces 44m and 44?; extending therebetween and disposed on opposite sides of the plate 44 in order to lend additional rigidity to the channels 52 and 53. The extremities of the channels 52 and 53 carry two blocks 55 and 56 arranged between the upper and lower rails thereof and in engagement with the web thereof. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 3, the blocks 55 are arranged at one or a left-hand end of the two channels 52 and 53; and the blocks 56 are arranged at the other or right-hand end of the two channels 52 and 53. The plate 44, the two channels 52 and 53 and the braces 44a: and My considered as a unit, comprise a frame rigidly secured to the tube 33.

Also the plate 44 carries a depending substantially Z-shaped fixture 57 provided with an upper flange 58 secured in a notch 442) formed in the lower surface of the plate 44 by a plurality of screws 59. Further, the fixture 57 comprises a substantially vertically depending web 6-3 and an inwardly extending lower flange 5|. An element 62, constituting a rack, is slidably mounted on the fixture 51 and provided with teeth meshing with the teeth provided on the pinion 38. More particularly, the element 62 is substantially rectangular in cross section; whereby a lower surface thereof slidably engages the upper surface of the lower flange SI and a vertical surface thereof slidably engages the adjacent vertical surface of the web 60. Thus it will be understood/that since the teeth'on the slidablymountedrack 62 engage the teeth on the stationary pinion 30, the rack 62 moves with respect to the fixture 57, and consequently the plate 44, as the plate-44 is rotated with the tube 33. More particularly, as viewed in Fig. 3, the rack 62 comprises a first location wherein the left-hand end there of is disposed adjacent to the fixture 5! and .the right-hand end thereof is disposed remote from the fixture 51. Thus, at this time, when the plate 64 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the slidably mounted rack 62 enga ing'thestationary pinion 3!] is slid or projected into .a .second location wherein the previously mentioned right-hand end thereof is disposed adjacent to the fixture 5'! and the previously mentioned left-hand end thereof is disposedremote from the fixture 57.

Further, the two ends of the channels 52' and. 53 support two tiltably mounted brackets-63 and 64. The bracket 63 constitutes a plate disposed betweenthe webs of the channels 52 and 53 and is provided with two spaced-apart lugs 65 carrying two outwardly extending pins 55 projecting and journalled into aligned openings formed in the Webs of the channels 52 and 53 and aligned openings formed in the blocks 55. Similarly, the bracket-64 constitutes a plate disposed between the webs of the channels 52 and 53 and is provided with two spaced-apart lugs G'i carrying two outwardly extending pins 68 projecting and journalled into aligned openings formed in the webs of the channels 52 and 53 and aligned openings; formed in the blocks 56. Also the bracket 63 is provided with a lug 69 carrying a pivot pin 18; while the bracket 64 is provided with a lug H :carrying a. pivot pin 72. The left-hand end of the rack 62 carries a pivot pin 13 that is connected by two spaced-apart links it disposed on opposite sides thereof to the pivot pin Ill; while the right-hand end of the rack 62 carries a pivot pin 1.5 that is connected by two spacedapart links 16 disposed on opposite sides thereof to the pivot pin 72. The intermediate portion of the bracket 63 carries an. outwardly projecting trunnion Tl disposed intermediate the lugs 65 and substantially parallel thereto; while the bracket 64 carries an outwardly projecting trunnion 18 disposed intermediate the lugs 6'! and substantially parallel thereto.

"As clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the frame, including the plate M and the two channels 5'2 and 53, comprises a first position wherein the rack 62 occupies its first location. When the rack- 62 occupies its first location, the bracket 63 is pivoted or tilted upon the pivot pins 56 into the position illustrated, wherein the trunnion Tl occupies a substantially horizontal position; and the bracket 64 is pivoted or tilted upon the pivot pins 68 into the position illustrated, wherein the trunnion It occupies a substantially vertical position. Conversely, when the frame mentioned is moved from its first position illustrated inFig. 1 into a second position, an intermediate position being illustrated in Fig. 2, the rack 62 is moved into its second location as previously noted. When the rack 62 is moved into its second location, the bracket 63 is pivoted or tilted upon the-pivot pins 56 into a position wherein the trunnion Tl occupies a substantially vertical position; and the bracket 64 is pivoted or tilted upon the pivot. pins t8 into a position wherein the trunnion 18 occupies a substantially horizontal; position. Moreover, it will be understood that the frame mentioned is. rotatable substantively corresponding, in. structure and in function.

tially .180" between ts first and secondtnositioiie simultaneously with pivoting or tilting .substan" tially of the trunnions TI and 18. Accordingly. when the framementioned occupies itsv rst position, shown Figs. 1 and 3, the .:trunnion l8 occupies ,its vertical position disposed above the housing v2| and slightly offset .with. respect thereto; while the trunnion TH occupies, its horizontal position disposed above and pro, jecting beyond the topplate 13. Similarly,.when the frame mentioned occupies its. second position, the trunnion TI occupies its vertical position/dis posed above the housing .21 and slightly offset with respect thereto; while the trunnion L8 occupies its horizontal position disposed above and projectingybeyond the top plate 1-3. The two vertical positions of the trunnions 18-and all are substantially coincident and constitute a common working position; while the two horizontal positionsof the trunnions l1 and "are substantially coincident and constitute-a common. loading position. Accordingly, when "the frame mentioned occupies its first position, illustrated in Fig. 1, the trunnions 18 and TI respectively occupy the common working position and the common loading position; and when the frame mentioned occupies its second position, disposed substantially 180 from that shown-in Fig. 1, the trunnions l8 and H respectively occupy the common loading position andthe common working position.

The trunnions 7-! and-I8 respectively carry two identical work-supporting tables 90 and Hill which;

preferably comprise coil-supporting reels of the general construction and arrangement disclosed in the previously mentioned oopending application of Edward J. Ligler. Specifically 'thereel- 90 comprises an annular body portion 9| terminating in a centrally disposed hub 92 aflixedto the trunnion H. The hub 92 isjournalled' upon a sleeve bearing 93 disposed between the outer cylindrical surface of the trunnion'Tl and the inner surf-ace of abore formed therein; andthe end of the hub 92 rests upon a thrust bearing 94 surrounding the trunnion TI and supported bythe bracket 63. Further, the annular body portion 9lgof the reel 9ilcarries a substantially disc-like work-supporting plate or table 95 upon which four radially extending. sleepers: '96 are secured in place. two coil engaging plates 91 that are adapted to be moved inwardly and outwardly along the sleepers 96 respectively into engagement with and into disengagement with the inner turns of coil of at ial s pportedupon the sleepers :96 carried bythe'table 95;,therespective movements of the. plateszilflibeing controlled by arotata'ble spindle-.98 that. in-turnis adapted to be engaged by a wrench, not shown. It will be understood that when the wrench is brought into engagement with the spindle 98 and the spindle -98 i's rotated in one direction, the plates-97 are projected radially outwardly in order removably to secure in place a coil of material supportedjby the sleepers 96 carried by the table 95. Con versely, when the wrench is brought into engagement with the spindle 98, and the spindle 98.,is rotated in the opposite direction, the plates 91 are retracted radiallyinwardly in order to release a, coil of material supported by the sleepersflfi. carried by the table .95. Likewise, the reel; 100 comprises elementsflfll .to I08, inclusive, respec-- Finally, the reel '96 comprises.

to the elements 9| to as, inclusive, of the reel 90 described above.

When the frame mentioned occupies its first position, illustrated in Fig. 1, the trunnions 71 and I8, and consequently the reels and IE0, respectively occupy the common loading position and the common working position; and it may be assumed that the reel I00 in the common working position supports a substantially full coil of material that is being drawn therefrom, and that the reel 90 in the common loading position is empty. Braking mechanism, not shown, may be associated with the reel I00 in the common working position in order to adjust the drag on the reel I05, thereby to set the desired tension in the strip of material being unreeled from the supported coil. Also, at this time, a full coil of material may be loaded upon the reel 90 occupying the common loading position without interfering with operation of the reel I00 occupying the common working position. The full coil of material is loaded upon the reel 00 occupying the common loading position by manipulating the wrench engaging the spindle 03 in the manner previously explained. Subsequently, when the coil of material supported by the reel I00 occupying the common working position becomes exhausted, the motor I? is operated; whereby the frame mentioned is driven from its first position into its second position, moving the loaded reel 90 from the common loading position into the common working position and moving the empty reel I00 from the common Working position into the common loading position. When the frame mentioned is moved from its first position into its second position, operation of the motor I1 is arrested. Now the braking mechanism, not shown, may be adjusted in order to set the drag on the reel 90 in the common working position and the consequent tension in the material being unreeled from the coil supported thereby; and the empty reel I00 in the common loading posi tion may be reloaded in the manner previously explained. Subsequently, when the coil of material carried by the reel 90 is exhausted, the motor I! may be again operated in order to move the frame mentioned from its second position back into its first position; whereby the reel I00 again occupies the common working position and the reel 90 again occupies the common loading position; whereupon the above described operaations are repeated.

In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that either one of the reels 90 or I00 may be loaded while the other of the reels I00 or 90 is supplying strip from the associated coil to the associated device without interference. Accordingly, when it is necessary again to stop operation of the associated device being supplied with strip material from the apparatus I0, the stoppage time interval is reduced to a minimum and the overall stoppage time is greatly minimized.

In view of the foregoing description of the mode of operation of the apparatus I0, it will be appreciated that in order to move the frame mentioned into its first position, the operating shaft of the motor I's' must be rotated in a given direction and that in order to move the frame mentioned into its second position, the operating shaft 20 of the motor 1'! must be rotated in the opposite direction; whereby the motor I! must be of the reversible type and operation thereof must be coordinated with respect to the position of the frame mentioned when operation thereof is initiated. In order to accomplish this end, the

motor starting and control network illustrated in Fig. 6 is employed, which arrangement comprises in addition to the motor I'I, two relays H0 and I20, a right start switch I30, a left start switch I40, 2. stop switch I50, a left check switch I60, a right check switch I10, a source of current supply, not shown, and a control network. Preferably, the motor I! is of the two-Winding type; whereby a first of the windings may be energized from negative battery potential to ground or positive battery potential in order to effect operation thereof and consequent rotation of the drive shaft 20 thereof in a given direction; and a second of the windings may be energized from negative battery potential to ground or positive battery potential in order to effect operation thereof and consequent rotation of the drive shaft 20 thereofin the opposite direction. For convenience, it will be assumed that when the operating shaft 20 of the motor I1 is rotated in the given direction, the frame mentioned will be rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, into its first position, wherein the reels 00 and H10 respectively occupy the common loading position and the common working position; conversely, when the operating shaft 20 of the motor I1 is rotated in the opposite direction, the frame mentioned will be rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, into its second position, wherein the reels and I00 respectively occupy the common working position and the common loading position. Also for convenience, the first position of the frame mentioned is referred to as a right position since the reel I00 is moved in the counterclockwise direction from the left toward the right in reaching the common Working position; and the second position of the frame mentioned is referred to as a left position since the reel I00 is moved in the clockwise direction from right to left in reaching the common loading position. The check switches I00 and I10 may be mounted either upon the structure of the apparatus I0 or upon external structure, not shown; and by way of illustration these check switches are shown mounted upon the brackets 63 and 64. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. l, the right check switch I10 is suitably mounted upon the bracket 03 and in cooperating relation with the table I05 of the reel I00, and the left check switch I60 is suitably mounted upon the bracket 64 and in cooperating relation with the table of the reel 90.

Accordingly, when the frame mentioned occupies its first or right position, as illustrated in.

Fig. 1, and it is desirable to move it to its second or left position, the left start switch I40 is momentarily closed. When the left start switch I40 is thus closed, there is completed a circuit, including the closed stop switch I50, the closed contacts I I2 of the relay I I0 and the closed left cheek switch I60 for energizing the winding of the relay I20; whereby the latter relay operates to close its contacts I2I and I23 and to open its contacts I22. At its contacts I2I, the relay I20 completes a substantially identical stick circuit for energizing the winding thereof; and at its contacts I22, it interrupts a further point in the operating circuit for the relay I I0 in order positively to prevent operation of the latter relay at this time under the control of the associated right start switch I30. When the frame mentioned is driven by the motor I! from its first position into its second relay restores. While the relay I20 occupies its operated. position, there. is completed, at the contacts I23 thereof, an. obvious circuit for energizing the second winding'of the motor IT; whereby the motor I? is operated to drive the frame mentioncd from its first or right position into its secnd or left i". on. When the frame mentioned is moved to is. second or left position, the left check su i535? is opened as noted above in order to arrest further operation of the motor 11. During movement of the frame mentioned from its first or right position to its second or left position, operation of the motor ll may be arrested, when the reels 8i and lot occupyiintermediate locations with respect to the common working position and to the commonloadingposltion mereiy by opening momentarily the stop switch its. When the stop switch I56 is thus opened, the stick circuit for energizing the winding of the relay 254 is interrupted, causing the latter relay to restore, thereby to interrupt, at

its contacts the circuit for energizing the second winding of the motor H.

Also it will be appreciated that when the frame mentioned occupies its first or right position, the right checkswitch Hit is opened. Whenthe right check switch ilfi occupies its opened position, closing the right start switch 39 to control the relay H!) is without effect since the operating circuit for the relay lid is interrupted by the opened right check switch are; whereby it is impossible to energize the first winding of the motor I! in order to attempt further rotation of the frame mentioned past its first or right position. Subsequently, when operation of the motor I7 is initiated to drive the frame mentioned from its first or right position toward its second or left position, the right check switch 1.70 is closed in order to prepare the circuit for operating the relay i iii.

In order to obtain opening of the right check switch I10, when the frame mentioned occupies its first or right position and to obtain opening of the left check switch [-60 when the frame mentioned occupies its second or left position, the two check switches I!!! and H50 may be secured to the top plate [.3 and arranged to engage the opposite ends of the fixture in an obvious man'- ner. Specifically, when the frame mentioned is rotating from its first or: right position into its second or left position, the right-hand end of the fixture 51, as viewed in Fig. 3, may engage and open the left check switch I66; and when the frame mentioned is rotating from its second. or left position into its first or right position, the left-hand end of the fixture 51, as viewed in Fig. 3, may engage and open the right check switch Hi3.

In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that by momentarily closing the right start switch I30, when the frame mentioned occupies its second or left position, the rela H o may be operated in order to effect energization of the first winding of the motor 11; whereby the frame mentioned is moved from its second or left position back into its first or right position.

In connection with the operation of the apparatus Ill, and as illustrated in Fig. 2, it is noted that when the frame mentioned begins its rotary movement from its first or right position toits second or left position that the brackets 63 and 64 begin their tilting movements; whereby the bracket 84 tilts the reel Hill out of the horizontal plane and the common. working position as the bracket 63 tilts the reel 9!! out of the vertical plane and the-commonloading. postion; whereby the reel. Hitv moves out. of the way of the reel. 95

permitting intersection in space of the paths of movements of the peripheral portions of the reels 9!] and Hill without collision therebetween; which arrangement reduces the overall required height of the apparatus It, resulting in the common loading position of the reels 9t and occupying a minimum vertical distance from the fioor upon which the base H is supported. Of course, this interaction of the reverse direction between the reels 8t and mo takes place when the frame mentioned is rotated from its second or left position back into its first or right position.

In View of the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided work-supporting apparatus including an improved drive arrangement and control system therefor; whereby the two work-supporting tables or reels of the apparatus may be selectively moved between a common working position and a common loading position.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for movement between first and second positions, first and second work-supporting tables carried: by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, mechanism responsive to movement or said. frame into said first position for tilting said first table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said second table into a leading position as it is moved therewith and responsive to movement of said frame into said second position for tilting said second table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said first table into a loading position as it is moved therewith, and drive means for moving said frame between said first and second positions.

2. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for rotation between. first and second limit positions, first and second work-supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, mechanism responsive to rotation of said frame into said first limit position for tilting said first table .into a working position as it is rotated therewith and for tilting said second table into a loading position as it is rotated therewith and responsive to rotation of said frame into said second limit position for tilting said second table into a working position as it is rotated therewith and for tilting said first table into a loading position as it is rotated therewith, and drive means for rotating said frame between saidfirst and second limit positions.

'3. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for move ment between first and second positions, first and Second work supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movement's; mechanism responsive to movement of said frame into said first position for tilting saidfirst table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said second table into a loading position as it is moved therewith and responsive to movement of said frame into said second: position. for tilting said second table into a working position as it moved therewith and for tilting said first table into a loading position as it is moved therewith, said working positions of said tables being substantially coincident, and drive means for moving said frame between said first and second positions.

4. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for movement between first and second positions, first and second trunnions carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, first and second work-supporting tables respectively rotatably mounted on said first and second trunnions, mechanism responsive to movement of said frame into said first position for tilting said first trunnion and consequently said first table into a working position as they are moved therewith and for tilting said second trunnion and consequently said second table into a loading position as they are moved therewith and responsive to movement of said frame into said second position for tilting said second trunnion and consequently said second table into a working position as they are moved therewith and for tilting said first trunnions and consequently said first table into a loading position as they are moved therewith, and drive means for moving said frame between said first and second positions.

5. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for rotation between first and second positions, first and second trunnions carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, first and second coil-supporting reels respectively rotatably mounted on said first and second trunnions, mechanism responsive to rotation of said frame into said first position for tilting said first trunnion and consequently said first table into a working position as they are rotated therewith and for tilting said second trunnion and consequently said second table into a loading position as they are rotated therewith and responsive to rotation of said frame into said second position for tilting said second trunnion and consequently said second table into a working position as they are rotated therewith and for tilting said first trunnion and consequently said first table into a loading position as they are rotated therewith, said working positions of said tables being substantially coincident, and drive means for rotating said frame between said first and second positions.

6. Apparatus comprising a support having a longitudinal axis, a frame having an axis extending laterally with respect to said longitudinal axis and carried by said support and mounted for ro tation about said longitudinal axis between first i and second positions displaced by a relatively large angle in the lateral plane with respect to each other, first and second Work-supporting tables carried by said frame and spaced apart laterally substantially equal distances from said longitudinal axis, means mounting said tables for tilting movements with respect to said frame between positions respectively substantially parallel and substantially normal to said longitudinal axis, mechanism responsive to rotation of said frame into said first position for tilting said first table into its position substantially normal to said longitudinal axis as it is rotated therewith and for tilting said second table into its position substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis as it is rotated therewith and responsive to rotation of said frame into said second position for tilting said second table into its position substantially normal to said longitudinal axis as it is rotated therewith and for tilting said first table into its position substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis as it is rotated therewith, the two composite positions of said first table when said frame occupies said first and second positions respectively constituting working and loading positions and the two composite positions of said second table when said frame occupies said first and second positions respectively constituting loading and working positions, said working positions of said tables being substantially coincident, and drive means for rotating said frame between said first and second positions.

7. Apparatus comprising a support having a substantially vertical axis, a frame having a substantially horizontal axis and carried by said support and mounted for rotation about said vertical axis between first and second positions displaced approximately 180 in the horizontal plane with respect to each other, first and second worksupporting tables carried by said frame and spaced apart horizontally substantially equal distances from said vertical axis, means mounting said tables for tilting movements with respect to said frame between positions respectively substantially vertical and substantially horizontal, mechanism responsive to rotation of said frame into said first position for tilting said first table into its substantially horizontal position as it is rotated therewith and for tilting said second table into its substantially vertical position as it is rotated therewith and responsive to rotation of said frame into said second position for tilting said second table into its substantially vertical position as it is rotated therewith, and for tilting said first table into its substantially horizontal position as it is rotated therewith the two composite positions of said first table when said frame occupies said first and second positions respectively constituting working and loading positions and the two composite positions of said second table when said frame occupies said first and second positions respectively constituting loading and working positions, said working positions of said tables being substantially coincident and said loading positions of said tables being substantially coincident, and drive means for rotating said frame between said first and second positions.

8. Apparatus comprising a support having a longitudinal axis, a frame having an axis extending laterally with respect to said longitudinal axis and carried by said support and mounted for rotation about said longitudinal axis between first and second positions displaced by a relatively large angle in the lateral plane with respect to each other, first and second trunnions carried by said frame and spaced apart laterally substantially equal distances from said longitudinal axis, means mounting said trunnions for tilting movements with respect to said frame between positions respectively substantially parallel and substantially normal to said longitudinal axis, mechanism responsive to rotation of said frame into said first position for tilting said first trunnion into its position substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis as it is rotated therewith and for tilting said second trunnion into its position substantially normal to said longitudinal axis as it is rotated therewith and responsive to rotation of said frame into said second position for tilting said second trunnion into its position substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis as it is rotated therewith and for tilting said first trunnion into its position substantially normal to said longitudinal axis as it is rotated therewith, first and second work-supporting tables respectively mounted on said. first and second trunnions for tilting: movement: therewith. and for rotation thereon, the two composite positions of said first table when said frame occupies said first and second positions respectively constituting workingv and loading. positions the twocomposite positions of said second table when. said frame occupies said first and second. positions respectively constitutmg'loading and working positions, and drive means for rotating said frame between said first and second positions.

9. Apparatus comprising-,3 snpporta frame car ried by said supportv and mounted for movement with respect thereto: between first andseicond positions, an element carried by said frame and mounted. for movement with; respect thereto. between first and second locations, mechanismre sponsive to movement or" said frame respectively to said first and second. positions for moving said element-respectively to said first and second, locations, first and second work-supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting. movement with respect: thereto between first and second positions,.mechanismresponsive to movement of said element into said first location for tilting said first. tableintoits first position and for tilting said: second: table into its second posi tion and responsive to movement. of said element into said second location for tilting said second: 9

table: into. its position and for tilting said first table into its second position, the two composite positionsof said first table when said frame occupies said first and second positions respectively constituting first and second stations and the two composite positions Of said second table when said frame occupies said first and second positions respectively constituting second and first stations, said first. stations of said tables being substantially coincidentan'd' said second stations of said tables being substantialiy coincident, and drive means for movingsaidi frame between said first and second positions.

10. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for rotation with respect thereto between first and second positions, a rack carried by said frame and mounted for sliding with respect thereto between first and second locations, means including a pinion fixed to said support and engaging said rack for sliding said rack respectively to said first and second locations in response to rotation of said frame respectively to said first and second positions, first second work-supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements with respect thereto, means including links extending between said rack and said tables for tilting said first table into a working position and for tilting said second table into a loading position in response to sliding of said rack into said first location and for tilting said second table into a working position and for tilting said first table into a loading position in response to sliding of said rack into said second location, and drive means for rotating said frame between said first and second positions.

11. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for move ment between first and second positions, first and second work-supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, mechanism esponsive to movement of said frame into said first position for tilting said first table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said second table into a loading position: as it is moved therewith and responsive to. movement of said frame into said second posttion for tilting said second table intowa. working: position as it is moved therewith and: for tilting said first table into a loading position as it ismoved therewith; an electric motor carried. by said support and operatively connected to said frame, and means selectively controlling operation of said electric-motor to. drive said frame from either oneof: said positions to. the other.

12. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said; support and mounted for move..- mentbetween first. and second positions,.firs.t and. second work-supporting tables carried by said: frame and mcuntedfortilting movements, mechresponsive. to movement of sai'dframe into said first position forntiltin'gv said first table intov a working position as it is moved therewith and for: tilting said second table into. a loading position as it is moved: therewith and. responsive. to movement. of said frame int'o said second. position. for tilting said second table into a working posi-- tion as it is. moved therewithand for tilting said first table ii-ito: a leading position as. it is moved, therewith, drive means operatively connected to said. frame,.means for selectively controlling operation drive means. to move said frame toward either one of said positions, and. means: for arrestingat willoperation of said drive means, whereby said tables be moved to locations intermediate said working and loading: positions thereof.

13. Apparatus comprising a. support, a. frame; carried by said support and mounted for movement between first. and second limit positions, first and second: work-supporting tables carried by'saidframeanc" ounted for tilting movements, mechanism respon veto movement or said. frame into first position for tilting said first tablev into a working position as it is moved therewith: and for tilting said second table into a loading: position as it is moved therewith and responsive. to movement of said frame into said second position for tilting said second table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said first table into a loading position as it is moved therewith, drive means operatively connected to said frame, means for selectively initiating operation of said drive, means to move said frame toward either one of said limit positions, and means responsive to movement of said frame into either one of said limit positions for arresting operation of said drive means.

14. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for movement between first and second limit positions, first and second work-supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, mechanism responsive to movement of said frame into said first position for tilting said first table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said second table into a loading position as it is moved therewith and responsive to movement of said frame into said second position for tilting said second table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said first table into a loading position as it is moved therewith, drive means operatively connected to said frame, means for selectively initiating operation of said drive means to move said frame toward either one of said limit positions, means for arresting at will operation of said drive means, whereby said tables may be moved to locations intermediate said working and loading positions thereof, and means responsive to movement of said frame into either one of said limit positions for arresting operation of said drive means.

15. Apparatus comprising a, support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for movement between first and second limit positions, first and second work-supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, mechanism responsive to movement of said frame into said first position for tilting said first table into a, working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said second table into a loading position as it is moved therewith and responsive to movement of said frame into said second position for tilting said second table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said first table into a loading position as it is moved therewith, drive means operatively connected to said frame, means controllable when said frame occupies either one of said limit positions for initiating operation of said drive means to move said frame toward the other of said limit positions, and means responsive to movement of said frame into said other limit position for arresting operation of said drive means.

16. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for movement between first and second positions, first and second work-supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, mechanism responsive to movement of said frame into said first position for tilting said first table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said second table into a loading position'as it is moved therewith and responsive to movement of said frame into said second position for tilting said second table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said first table into a loading position as it is moved therewith, drive means operatively connected to said frame, first and second starters selectively controllable to initiate operation of said drive means to move said frame toward its respective positions, means responsive to control of one of said starters for preventing control of the other of said starters, and means for arresting at will operation of said drive means, whereby said tables may be moved to locations intermediate said working and loading positions thereof.

17. Apparatus comprising a support, a frame carried by said support and mounted for movement between first and second limit positions, first and second work-supporting tables carried by said frame and mounted for tilting movements, mechanism responsive to movement of said frame into said first position for tilting said first table into a working position as it is moved therewith nd for tilting said second table into a loading position as it is moved therewith and responsive to movement of said frame into said second position for tilting said second table into a working position as it is moved therewith and for tilting said first table into a loading position as it is moved therewith, drive means operatively connected to said frame, first and second starters selectively controllable to initiate operation of said drive means to move said frame toward said respective limit positions, means responsive to control of one of said starters for preventing control of the other of said starters, and means responsive to movement of said frame into either one of said limit positions for arresting operation of said drive means.

EDWARD J. LIGLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,881,019 McFarland Oct. 4, 1932 2,321,646 Blodgett June 15, 1943 2,391,321 Littell Dec. 18, 1945 2,403,147 Westergaard July 2, 1946 

